Originally Posted by thepolyparrot

Chenille stems from the craft store - I use these to clean out the bobbin area. Wipe a little oil on them and they'll get in anywhere and pick up lint like a magnet.

Blue painter's tape - cut down into the roll every inch or two so that you can peel up a "stack" of tape off of the roll. Best cloth guide I've ever used and it won't damage the paint on any but my most fragile vintage machines.

Bone folder - used for creasing paper - makes a good "iron"

Newsprint drawing paper from the office supply store. 100 sheets for $4 - chop 1/2" off of one side and it's perfect for printing and foundation piecing.

Prescription bottles - I melted a hole in the top with a soldering iron and every machine has one in the drawer for disposing of sharps.

Telescoping magnet - I couldn't ever go barefoot if not for these.

Magnet dishes - I've got these all over the place and one of them is even in use as a parts dish.

Shish-kebab skewers - great point turners & stilettos.

Paper first aid tape - a little piece will hold thread on embroidery cones.

Toddler ponytail holders from Dollar Tree - put on bobbins to keep them from unwinding - they sell these as notions, now.